Glamorgan dig deep for second overseas player

Glamorgan have opted for a second overseas player, despite hoping to get away without needing one given their financial difficulties. Supporters pitched in their own money to secure the services of Jimmy Maher (who is sharing a berth with Matthew Elliott) after the club announced they couldn't afford any overseas player at all - but now the club has found the money for another Australian, the allrounder Damien Wright.

Their chief executive, Mike Fatkin, explained that they felt they needed a second overseas player to bolster their squad which has been hit with injuries, particularly to the bowlers. David Harrison, for example, is expected to miss the whole season.

"Although the money was not originally budgeted for, it was a question of having to find the funds to be able to make a signing," said Fatkin, "and having considered everything in detail, we felt that was what we had to do. We have to be mindful of the importance of the team staying competitive."

Glamorgan have also been in talks Jerome Taylor for a possible stint later in the year.

Wright has had two seasons at Northamptonshire, in 2003 and 2005, where he took a total of 53 wickets and scored 609 runs. He has also played for Tasmania, Australia A and Scotland.

Adrian Shaw, Glamorgan's coach, was understandably delighted. "It is great news to have a player of such proven quality now available. Damien has got a great track record, both with the ball and bat."

Wright's move will be rubber-stamped when he gets clearance from Tasmania Cricket and receives a work permit. There are encouraging signs for Glamorgan, with the development of Huw Waters and James Harris, but there is no question that the seam bowling lacks experience.